China to Launch 6 Weather Satellites Before 2008China will begin from next year to launch 6 weather satellites in succession to provide all-round weather service for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. According to Beijing Evening reports, the Fengyun 1 D satellite (Fengyun means wind and cloud in Chinese) is to be launched by Long March 4 rocket carrier before next June.The satellite will offer weather service for 2008 Olympics by providing long and short term weather reports and air environment analysis, says Li Huang, vice director of China Meteorological Administration. As is known from the National Satellite Meteorological Center, China will launch another 5 satellites before 2008, they are FY 2 C in 2003, FY 3 A in 2004, FY 3 B and FY 3 C in 2006 and FY 3 C in 2008. Nearly every year there is a satellite to be launched to guarantee Olympic success. With a service life of 2 to 3 years, these satellites will monitor and forecasts sand storm, tornado, thunder and lightning and air quality, as well as heavy rain, thunderstorm and hailstone. China Launches Sci-tech Plan for 2008 OlympicsAn action plan aiming to make the 2008 Summer Olympic Games into a high technology-supported sports event has been jointly launched by the Chinese government and major scientific and research institutions. The plan will employ top Chinese scientists and the latest research results to provide technology and intelligence support to the 2008 Olympics, said Xu Guanhua, Minister of Science and Technology.By PD Online staff member Li Heng |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |